On My Shelf: Resource Recommendations

On My Shelf: Resource Recommendations
by Kumi Nakagomi

Practicing the spiritual disciplines is simply a key part of our journey of growing deeper with Christ, and not a "quick-fix" to life's problems. The biggest temptation that comes with practicing the disciplines is that we somehow buy into the lie that we're doing better spiritually just because we are practicing it. But the reality is that the spiritual disciplines are simply a means to engage more with God, not an end.

Why are the spiritual disciplines so significant? They allow us to

• know God more,
• know ourselves more, and
• cultivate a deeper relationship with God and others as a result of engaging with Him and allowing Him to engage with us.

Here are some resources that may help in your journey of growing deeper with God:

For a great overview and understanding of various disciplines:

• The Life You've Always Wanted: Spiritual Disciplines for Ordinary People (John Ortberg)
  This is an easy-to-read yet comprehensive book that helps spell out what spiritual disciplines look like in everyday life - and it's just very practical and easy to understand. Highly recommend this to people to anyone, regardless of where they are at in their spiritual journey.


• Celebration of Discipline (Richard Foster)
  I enjoy this book as it has so many "golden nuggets" of what the spiritual disciplines are all about and the different platforms that we engage in them (inwardly, outwardly, and corporately). Oftentimes when we engage in spiritual disciplines, we think it's just a personal thing, but it actually is not just individual, but also communal. This book provides a holistic approach to the spiritual disciplines.

For more practical exercises on the disciplines:

• Spiritual Classics: Selected Readings on the Twelve Spiritual Disciplines (Richard Foster)
  If you love to read and can appreciate various people's experiences and perspectives, I highly recommend this book. Foster is a guru in spiritual formation and disciplines, and I would recommend any of his books on specific forms of discipline (such as his books Prayer or Life with God, which are about reading the Bible), but Spiritual Classics is a rich book filled with writings from other Christian authors who have lived life with Jesus before us and so we have lots to learn from their insights and experiences.
  
  There are scripture readings, discussion questions for personal or small group use, suggested exercises you can do, reflections from Foster, and a bunch of resources for each discipline he mentions. This book is a great tool for personal or group use.
  
  There's also another book, Devotional Classics, which is great as well, and he just came out with a daily devotional called A Year with God: Living Out the Spiritual Disciplines which has gotten great reviews. Check them out!


• Spiritual Disciplines Handbook: Practices that Transform Us (Adele Ahlberg Calhoun)
  The book has been very fundamental in my own practice as well as in teaching and guiding others in the practice of various disciplines. It includes a brief summary, reflection questions, spiritual exercises, and resources for each discipline. Very comprehensive and a great tool to have as a resource and guide.

Newsong Orange County also offers resources for spiritual growth on the info. stands in the foyer. Feel free to take them!

Kumi Nakagomi is Director of Spiritual Formation at Newsong Orange County